Posted in Kentucky Nature June 21, 2022 by

5 Natural Wonders Unique To The Bluegrass State That Should Be On Everyone’s Kentucky Bucket List

Kentucky is one, big wondrous place to behold, full of bucket-list-worthy adventures around each and every turn. There’s so much natural beauty here — so many places to which photos simply can’t do justice — that you could spend a lifetime seeking it out. And while that’s a challenge we happily accept, there are definitely places that deserve top spot on everyone’s Bluegrass State bucket list. Here are five of those incredibly, unbelievably beautiful, only-in-Kentucky natural wonders.

The longest cave system in the world, Mammoth Cave is a true Bluegrass treasure. Mammoth Cave National Park stretches almost 53,000 acres in the rolling hills of Kentucky, and includes numerous river valleys, forests, historic sites, sinkholes, and, of course, the titular caves.
Mammoth Cave, KY 42259, USA
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There is an incredible variety of activities for visitors throughout the park year-round, from guided tours to above-ground stargazing. No matter how you choose to experience the most beautiful place in the Bluegrass, you're in for a treat.
Kentucky might be best-known as the home of the world's largest cavern system, but natural wonders abound aboveground, too. For proof of this, look no further than Red River Gorge.
Red River Gorge, Kentucky 40387, USA
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Hailed as The Grand Canyon of Kentucky, Red River Gorge is a canyon system along the Red River in the eastern part of the state. A magical place any time of the year, Red River Gorge offers some of the very best outdoor recreation in the country. While the hiking is unrivaled in this park (there are 60 miles of mapped hiking trails in various spots throughout the Gorge), those with limited mobility or who wish to explore the scenery in a more leisurely manner can take the Red River Gorge Scenic Byway, a 46-mile route with some of the most jaw-dropping scenery in the country.
Kentucky is Horse Country, and the central part of the state is peak Bluegrass beauty.
Lexington, KY, USA
Pisgah Pike, Kentucky 40383, USA
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In and around Lexington and Louisville -- and especially along Old Frankfort Pike and Pisgah Pike -- the rolling blue hills of Kentucky are marked with white picket fences and enchanting equines, for a scene more beautiful than any picture could ever capture.
It's not all rolling blue hills in Kentucky, however; our cerulean blue waters are truly something to behold!
Dewey Lake, Kentucky 41653, USA
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Jenny Wiley State Resort Park is one of the most underrated treasures in the state. This Kentucky State Park is 2,871 acres of pure Bluegrass beauty, offering an abundance of opportunities for outdoor recreation of both the land and water varieties. The park’s show-stopping feature is the 1,100-acre Dewey Lake, a cerulean pool with some of the bluest water in the state. You’ll be dazzled by its azure waters, which make Jenny Wiley State Park truly stand out — even in a state that’s known for its abundance of rivers and lakes.
In terms of Kentucky State Parks, Cumberland Falls reigns supreme. It's 1,657 acres of pure Bluegrass beauty, offering visitors an extraordinary park experience. And the park's crown jewel, of course, is the eponymous Cumberland Falls.
Cumberland Falls, Kentucky 42634, USA
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Cumberland Falls -- Kentucky's "Niagara of the South" -- is a majestic 68-foot waterfall on the Cumberland River. It's the second tallest waterfall in the state, but there's truly nothing "second place" about this incredible cascade.
And just when you thought Cumberland Falls couldn't get any more wondrous, the sun set and moon came out, creating one of the most dazzling natural phenomena in the world: a moonbow.
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Occurring regularly throughout the year, many visit Cumberland Falls just to experience the rare natural wonder, as this is one of the only places in the entire world to see one. If you can time your visit to see it firsthand, it's sure to be a memorable moment. The park has all of the moonbow dates for this year and the next couple of years listed on its website, so you can easily plan your adventure around this bucket-list event.

Embrace the spirit of awe and wonder when you visit these only-in-Kentucky natural wonders — and be sure to share your photos with us on Facebook and Instagram while you’re out exploring!

Address: Mammoth Cave, KY 42259, USA
Address: Cumberland Falls, Kentucky 42634, USA
Address: Lexington, KY, USA
Address: Pisgah Pike, Kentucky 40383, USA
Address: Red River Gorge, Kentucky 40387, USA
Address: Dewey Lake, Kentucky 41653, USA